Several equipment purchases were approved by Lehighton Borough Council last week.

On a unanimous vote, council approved the caterpillar purchase package for the trade of M313D, as well as the purchase of backhoe loader, skid steer and asphalt roller in the amount of $105,286.After the meeting, borough Manager Nicole Beckett explained the reason for the purchase."During the last few years, we had evaluated our equipment needs at budget time," Beckett said.Beckett said the total cost is $105,286 through Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, who participates in the state contract.The borough will pay for this equipment through its sewer capital reserve, she said.The equipment will be used on sewer projects throughout town by the borough's Public Works Department, Beckett said.Also on Monday, council agreed to purchase a SnoGo snowblower for the new caterpillar loader in the amount of $126,467.Beckett said the borough is working with MJR Equipment on the purchase of a Wausau SnoGo Snow Blower."Council had authorized the purchase in the amount of $126,467, however I am working with Public Works and MJR Equipment," said Beckett, who added that the price is currently $123,020.The funds will come from the borough's capital reserves fund, Beckett said.This purchase is also on the state contract, she said.CDBG fundsCouncil last week held its second public hearing for the 2015 Community Development Block Grant funds.The borough expects to receive $76,698 in project costs, and $16,836 in administrative costs, for a total amount of $93,534.The project selected for fiscal year 2015 is ADA handicap improvements to Iron Street at 2nd and 4th streets, as well as for storm drain reconstruction.LDICouncil also heard from Ryan Saunders, a member of the Lehighton Downtown Initiative.Saunders thanked the borough for painting the lines on First Street.He said that the LDI would like to paint the parking meters downtown in the colors of the school district to start working toward their goal of beautifying the downtown.Councilman Scott Rehrig thanked Saunders for showing an interest in the community.